Did you know Norway also has summer skiing? Usually when we talk about summer skiing, the first things that come to mind are the glaciers in the Alps or the faraway destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. But nearby Norway has multiple ski resorts that stay open during the summer months. In this article we'll do a rundown of summer skiing at Galdhøpiggen, Stryn and Folgefonna.
The Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Center, commonly known as "Juvass", is located on Norway's highest mountain, the Galdhøppiggen (2469m) and as such it's the highest ski area in Scandinavia. This glacier ski resort guarantees reliable snow cover all summer long, enough to keep the ski area open for business from May 9 until October 27, 2019. Unfortunately, this isn't the biggest ski area in the world. Galdhøpiggen has just one tow, which gives access to a 1.4km-long piste with a vertical drop of 300m. It's also possible to hire a freeriding guide if you want to explore the nearby Styggebreen glacier.
1-day ski pass Galdhøpiggen: NOK 405 (adult)
1-day ski pass Galdhøpiggen: NOK 325 (child)
Open daily from 9am til 3pm
More info: Galdhøpiggen – Juvass >
The Stryn summer ski area is open from the end of May until the end of July. The pistes start at an altitude of 1065m and are located on the Tystigbreen glacier. You can reach the ski area via the scenic Strynefjell road, a somewhat rough motorway but which passes through a fantastic landscape featuring boulders, snow walls and lakes. Stryn Sommerski boasts the biggest summer ski area in Northern Europe, with 5km of pistes, a snow park and a 4km-long trail. Stryn is the ideal destination for combining a summer ski holiday with a trip to the legendary Norwegian fjords. Another highlight is Mount Skåla (1848m), with its iconic stone tower on top. Wherever you choose to go, you're sure to have breathtaking views of the fjords.
1-day ski pass Stryn: NOK 410 (adult)
1-day ski pass Stryn: NOK 330 child)
Open daily from 12pm til 5pm
More info: Stryn Sommerski >
Folgefonna is the southernmost glacier in Norway and is open for skiing until the end of September/beginning of October. It's easy to combine summer skiing in Folgefonna Skisenteret with a visit to the city of Bergen, about 100km away. Folgefonna is worth a visit if only for the spectacular trip from the fjords to the glacier, which takes around half an hour. The four pistes at Folgefonna lie between 1200m and 1470m above sea level. The ski area also has sevearl snow parks and two trails, the Stikka and the Langrenns. Spend the night in Jondal, about 20km away, located on the Hardangerfjord.
1-day ski pass Folgefonna: NOK 395 (adult)
1-day ski pass Folgefonna: NOK 325 (child)
Open daily from 10am til 4pm
More info: Folgefonna Skisenteret >
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
